Technology

Teaching English as a Second Language

As a global university, we understand the importance of speaking another language and the challenges that come with learning one. With a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Webster University, you’ll be well prepared to help non-native English speakers living overseas or in the United States learn to speak English.

You’ll study the components of the English language, like phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, as well as issues of linguistic variation (dialects, discourse, slang, humor, etc.). From language structure and culture to teaching methods and interactive technologies, you’ll understand every aspect of acquiring — and teaching — a second language.

Our NCATE- and DESE-accredited program includes two tracks:

The K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) Education emphasis is designed for current instructors seeking to expand their knowledge of teaching. For this track, you must already have a teaching license in at least one content area.

The Adult Education emphasis is designed for people who want to educate adults. No prior teaching experience required.

Webster University also offers two combined degrees:

Combined Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English (BA) and Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English (BA) in conjunction with this Master of Arts (MA) program is a great way to earn your teacher certification while specializing in teaching English as a second language.

In this combined degree program, six hours of the MA in TESL are completed during the BA program and the remaining 27 hours are completed during the MA program. (To learn more about the requirements of our Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English program, visit our Undergraduate Catalogue here.)

This program leads to teacher certification in secondary English education at the end of the BA program, as well as being eligible for certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at the end of the MA program.

Combined Degree: Bachelor of Arts in World Languages (BA) & Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
The early 20th century linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf proposed that language and culture are intricately linked in their revolutionary Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. By teaching world languages to English-speaking students and by teaching English to non-native speakers, not only can you help students improve their communication skills but you can foster cultural understanding amongst the younger generations.

In this combined degree program, six hours of the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) are completed during the BA and the remaining 27 hours are completed during the MA program. (To learn more about the requirements of our Bachelor of Arts in World Languages program, visit our Undergraduate Catalogue here.)

This program leads to teacher certification in K-12 world languages at the end of the BA program, and upon completion of the MA in TESL, the teacher candidate is eligible for certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

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You can complete and submit your application entirely online. Just make sure you have these elements on hand while applying:

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After paying a $50 application fee, in days you will be notified of the admission decision and your next steps.

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Meet with Advisor and Enroll

If accepted, you’ll be paired up with a knowledgeable and qualified academic advisor to help you establish a degree plan that aligns with your goals and schedule. An advisor will also help you determine if you’re eligible for any prerequisite waivers and enroll you in your first class.

General Requirements:

The Teaching English as a Second Language graduate-seeking student should consult the Admission, Enrollment, and Academic Policies sections under Academic Policies and Procedures for policies regarding application, admission, registration, and the academic policies of Webster University. Academic policies or exceptions to policies applicable to Teaching English as a Second Language students are noted under their respective general academic policies.

The U.S. Department of Education defines Gainful Employment program criteria and data requirements for some of our graduate level certifictes.View Webster University's Gainful Employment Disclosures to see important information about the education debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended our programs.